Island Park Snow Conditions

[m series]

just got back from jefferson (friday)

we went in meadow creek. rode in on about 2 feet and got back in to jefferson and there is around 3 feet. in some places 4 feet. almost every hill has slid. there is a hard layer of ice about a foot down. we need more snow for sure.

 

[tgoodwin]

Ditto to what Hot Shot said. My bro. and I rode Black Canyon, Black Bear, and South Plateau today and it was fun, but they need way more. Down at Big Springs parking lot there's 12-18 inches and there is more as you get higher. I got off my sled at many points during the day and walked off trail to see depth. There was generally 4-6 inches of fresh stuff, 1-2 inches of icy crust, and then about 2 or 2 1/2 feet of powder underneath (these were in the higher elevations). These conditions make for some very dangerous layers in the steep terrain. I went off trail a few times but it's a risk. I saw many places where guys have hit stumps and rocks, I hit a stump myself but saw it at the last second and was able to just put my ski on it. Still a day of riding that beats sitting at home.

 

[jakey-boy]

Rode black canyon for a little today. Trails were fun but not really worth the risk of getting off the trail. Everyone was bouncing off stumps and rocks. Nice to get the sled out and take her for a spin tho. Everyone do your snow dance!!!

 

[Long Gone]

...almost every hill has slid. there is a hard layer of ice about a foot down....

That comment is enough to make any of us wake up and take note of the conditions.

Please Be Careful!!!

 

[christopher]

Lots of bad news for peeps that aren't being extra careful with their sleds right now.

This snowpack is just horrible right now.

The Temps are high, the moisture content is low in the forcasts and it will be Christmas Next week and we are all still waiting for the big storm to hit.

I hope this isn't an omen of how our whole season is going to be.

 

[christopher]

Forecast for Upper Snake Highlands Updated: 2:30 PM MST on December 20, 2009 Winter Weather Advisory in effect from midnight tonight to 11 am MST Monday...

Tonight
Scattered snow showers in the evening...then numerous snow showers after midnight. Snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches. Lows 19 to 28.

Monday
Snow likely in the morning...then a chance of snow in the afternoon. Snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches. Storm total snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches. Highs 29 to 36.
» ZIP Code Detail

Monday Night
Snow likely. Snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches. Lows 21 to 28.

Tuesday
Snow likely. Highs 23 to 30.
» ZIP Code Detail

 

[cookiecutter]

Rode IP yesterday, Saturday, to disappointing conditions. We left from Bills Island set to ride Two Top but got to Big Springs and decided it just wasn't worth it. Sage Brush and trees are poking up everywhere. There was a freezing rain/sleet that only allowed for about a mile of riding before goggles were sheeted with ice. Overall we had a decent time, I'd rather be riding then sitting in the cabin, but disappointing nonetheless. We need snow, bad.

 

[christopher]

Your report is consistent with what everyone is reporting.

We are just off to a poor start of the season.
No way around that.

 

[2k4_8]

I rode up black canyon toward two top on saturday and there was quite alot more snow up high. Waist deep or so but had to turn around due to fuel and not knowing the area too well yet. The icing up was a royal PITA and I rode with no goggles most of the day. Even with the 3-4 feet that we found though, there were still fence posts and such that could be seen.

The snow was as reported with a really grainy bottomless layer and 2-3 inches of hard stuff with a couple more on top....hopefully it will be alright after this next storm.

Also rode sunday down mesa falls, was enough to ride...but just barely, snow was very wet and heavy, too warm of a day. That stuff will likely turn to ice or just be very very hard when we cool down. Probably only 1-1.5 feet all through that area...but a fun weekend none the less!

 

[MACDJ]

Webcam Blue Creek Parking Lot

Heard there was a webcam for the Blue Creek Parking Lot. Couldn't find anything on google....anyone?

 

[JUSTIFIED ZX]

Were supposed to be leaving from the twin cities here on Saturday to head to Island Park for a week. Sounds like it isn't hardly worth the drive at this point. Just like you guys I wish IP would get some snow. Can't cancel cabin now...

 

[christopher]

18 inches in the valley.

 

[2k4_8]

they probably got some more out of this most recent storm....can anyone confirm?

 

[sno-x]

Snotel didn't change much

 

[iluv2fly]

IP area really did not get anything out of the storm.

 

[christopher]

We only got a dusting down here in the valley.

 

[cookiecutter]

Report from a friend that is living up there says it snowed really hard for a short time today. Nothing special. Still pretty bleak. I keep saying to myself, Historically its good after Christmas, Historically its good after Christmas ---- hmmm...

 

[christopher]

I heard someone once say that "Historically its good after Christmas".

Truth is, most of the snow does come later in the season though.

I am sure we will get plenty as the months roll along.

 

[2k4_8]

Yeah, just getting a little antsy....especially after seeing all the cooke city etc pics!

 

[LPIdaho]

If you know where to go pretty well the field that are just grass are pretty fun to go play in. But again you have to know where to go and that you will not hit anything.